Germany Approves Military Expansion to 260,000 by 2035

Is Germany addressing a genuine threat to European security, or preparing a dangerous escalation against Russia?

Published 8 hours ago

Germany Approves Military Expansion to 260,000 by 2035

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Above: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius at the Bundestag in Berlin on Dec. 5, 2025. Image credit: Elisa Schu/picture alliance/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Expanding Germany's military to 260,000 soldiers addresses the genuine Russian threat and fulfills NATO obligations for continental defense. With Russia openly preparing for war against Europe, Germany must lead the continent's security after decades of dangerous pacifism. This is apolitical, as even the opposition parties understand that opposing this necessary defense buildup amounts to betrayal, leaving the nation vulnerable while Moscow threatens European sovereignty.

The New York Times Junge Freiheit

Establishment-critical narrative

A German military expansion, especially through mandated conscription, represents a dangerous mobilization for war by 2030. The ruling class seeks to screen entire generations as cannon fodder while spending 5% of GDP on rearmament comparable to Nazi-era programs. This aggressive preparation for nuclear conflict with Russia, driven by NATO's provocative eastward expansion, requires suppressing the working class and establishing authoritarian rule.

Guardian World Socialist Web Site

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